THE day of November 24, 2012 was an average Saturday in Tumbulgum until a member of the public made a gruesome discovery.

It's still uncertain how a nameless body came to be on the banks of the Tweed River.

After forensic testing, the body was believed to be a man between 50 and 70 years old.

However, after extensive efforts, the man's identity eludes police.

This discovery shook the people of Tumbulgum, occurring just three days after a local man was found dead on the river.

The death of Tumbulgum man Mark Napieracz, 35, was considered unrelated and non-suspicious.

Tweed Byron LAC Detective Inspector Brendon Cullen said despite many efforts, there had been no new leads.

Despite hopes national attention on Channel 10 crime show Wanted would help police get to the bottom of the case, he said they'd had no new information.

"After it aired on Wanted, we did get a fair bit of a response," Insp Cullen said.

"Unfortunately we've never established the man's identity."

Last year, police launched a national appeal for information which could shed some light on the man's death.

It's understood they searched the missing persons database for clues.

At a 2013 press conference, Insp Cullen said there was no strong evidence to indicate suspicious circumstances.

"The post-mortem did not identify any reason to suspect foul play," he said.

While initial reports suggested the man was found in a sleeping bag, Insp Cullen said otherwise.

He said the bag was uniquely patterned and appeared to be handmade.

"It wasn't a sleeping bag," Insp Cullen said.

"It's like a cover off furniture."

Last year, police revealed the bag to the public in hopes it would spark some memories.

Insp Cullen said the matter had been to inquest before the local coroner.

"We're still appealing for anyone who is missing a relative," Insp Cullen said.

"We want to resolve this for the family."

Anyone with information on this matter should contact police.

Cold case

POST-mortem results were limited due to the body's decomposed state.

Aside from an approximate age, it's understood the man was 163cm tall with a thin build. He has grey hair, tied in a ponytail with a blue band. He may have had worn-down dentures.